Kobe Bryant News Update 2014: Lakers Will Not Rush The Black Mamba To Return This Season

By Staff Writer | Feb 25, 2014 10:24 PM EST

Kobe Bryant News Update 2014: Kobe Bryant is continuously recovering from a fractured lateral tibial plateau in his left leg which he acquired Dec. 17 against the Memphis Grizzlies. Laker's general manager Mitch Kupchak said that the organization will not pressure The Black Mamba to return to the games quickly.

As quoted from ESPN's Dave McMenamin: "We're not going to push him to get back," Kupchak said. "I don't see why you would. We've made a commitment to him for two more years, and I just don't know why we'd [push him to come back]. But if he feels he's ready and he's in shape and he gets the doctor's approval, then there's no reason why he couldn't do that."

Bryant has missed 30 games since his latest setback (total of 49 games). As per the Los Angeles Times' Ben Bolch, Bryant said that his recovery is "coming slowly" and that "it's been a slow process".

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During the regular season plus playoffs, the basketball veteran played 54,208 career minutes. According to the Bleacher Reporter, it's becoming clear that Bryant's body is not as resilient as it has been in years past. He's clocked numerous miles on the odometer, and now Father Time is starting to nip at his heels.

Bryant signed a two-year extension amounting to $48.5 million in November before he played in 2013-2014 season. It makes perfect sense that Lakers won't rush the five-time champion's recovery given that the Lakers have invested a huge amount of money in him.

Even injured, Kobe Bryant, is still the center of attention for the 2014 NBA All Star Games.

According to the Bleacher Reporter, when asked if he thinks he will play in another All-Star Game Bryant gave a measured response, "I hope so," he said twice. "When you play in an All-Star Game, that means you're one of the best players in the world. So it's obviously a big goal of mine to be there."

Bryant's huge global popularity could carry him to a 17th All-Star selection. After playing just six games this period, returning from surgery only to be felled again by a knee injury, he basically pleaded fans not to vote him into this game, "I'd much rather see the young guys go out there and play in the game," Bryant said in early January.

The game next year is at Madison Square Garden, the site of Bryant's first All-Star appearance.